§ 14. Mr. Dribergasked the Minister of Social Security whether she proposes to schedule the disease known as mesothelioma as an industrial disease of asbestos workers, for the purpose of industrial injuries benefits.
§ Miss HerbisonIt has now been established that this disease satisfies the statutory conditions for prescription and I am making Regulations today to come into operation on 22nd August.
§ Mr. DribergWhile warmly welcoming that announcement, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether the peritoneal form of this disease will be covered in her Regulations? Also, is this decision in a sense retrospective, in that people suffering from the disease who were debarred from benefit previously will now be able to claim again?
§ Miss HerbisonI am glad to tell my hon. Friend that the Answer to both his Questions is, "Yes".